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Looking for a place to call home? Cumberland Co. Habitat for Humanity may be able to help

VINELAND – Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity is looking for a partner family as they prepare to break ground on their 31st house, said Bill Gonzalez, the non-profit’s executive director.

To be considered, you must:

Be able to obtain a low income/conventional mortgage.

Verify a steady income with a minimum of $30,000 per year. Maximum thresholds range from $47,000 for family of two through $63,400 for family of five.

Have average to good credit.

Commit to financial classes and home ownership seminars.

Habitat also requires their future homeowners to invest up to 500 hours in “sweat equity,” helping to build the residence. Every adult household member must volunteer 250 hours.

Applications, available in English and Spanish, may be downloaded from www.cumberlandhabitat.org. Look for the “Homeowner Application” tab located at the top of the web page.

Complete the form and mail it to Habitat for Humanity, 601 S. Delsea Drive, Vineland, N.J., 08360. Applications received after April 30 will be kept on file for possible future projects.

Habitat’s family selection committee is set to review the submissions in May, Gonzalez said.

Groundbreaking at the Millville site is tentatively scheduled for the end of May/beginning of June, Gonzalez told The Daily Journal, noting low income housing projects are exempt from coronavirus-related restrictions on construction.

Sales at the ReStore of Cumberland County for Habitat for Humanity shop usually contribute about 20 to 30 percent toward construction costs, Gonzalez said. The South Delsea Drive shop accepts donations, which are then sold to raise money for future housing projects.

“The ReStore is an intricate part of what we do for our build,” Gonzalez said. “The amount of money that it contributes varies on a year-to-year basis.”

“This year, we are going to take a large hit because we’ve been closed to the public,” he said, referring to the public health and safety concerns that have shuttered retail businesses.

There are ways the community can help.

ReStore is posting online sales on its Facebook page and website, www.cumberlandhabitat.org. Payments may be made by phone and pickups scheduled.

They are also accepting donations.

Call ReStore at 856-563-0292 with your information and the crew will set up a curbside pickup to avoid any direct contact. Donors will receive an emailed receipt.

Deborah M. Marko is a senior reporter with The Daily Journal. Currently focused on breaking news and education issues, she also oversees community outreach programs that promote literacy and public safety. Got a story idea? Call 856-563-5256. Follow on Twitter: @dmarko_dj Instagram: deb.marko.dj Help support local journalism with a The Daily Journal subscription.